No Charges For Newark Cops After Suspect Dies During Foot Chase

NEWARK, NJ — Newark police officers will not face criminal charges in connection with the death of a man who collapsed during a foot chase last year, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to the New Jersey attorney general’s office, a state grand jury has voted to not file criminal charges regarding the death of Raul L. DeJesus, 43, of Newark.

DeJesus fled from an officer on Jan. 5, 2023 after he was approached regarding a homicide investigation. He was arrested and suffered a “medical episode,’ then died later in the hospital.

The incident was captured on body camera footage, which prosecutors later released to the public. See Related: Video Shows NJ Man's Fatal Attempt To Run From Newark Police

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability carried out an investigation into DeJesus’s death, which included interviews of witnesses, photographs, review of surveillance and body-worn camera footage and autopsy results from the medical examiner.

After hearing the testimony and evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on Jan. 22 and voted not to file criminal charges against the two accused officers.

Here’s what happened that day, prosecutors said:

“According to the investigation, on January 5, 2023, at 3:42 p.m., Officer Vera observed Mr. DeJesus exiting a vehicle that was sought in connection with the investigation of a homicide that occurred in the City of Paterson on December 10, 2022. Officer Vera approached Mr. DeJesus in the area of Orange Street and South 11th Street in Newark and attempted to detain and question him. Mr. DeJesus fled on foot through various residential yards, with Officer Vera in pursuit. After running for approximately four blocks, Mr. DeJesus was located on an embankment along Route 280 westbound, leaning against the side of an overpass in the area of mile marker 12.8. Officers Miller and Vera arrested Mr. DeJesus. Consistent with the Attorney General’s Use of Force Policy, officers on scene ensured Mr. DeJesus was in an upright, seated position after taking him into custody, to reduce the risk of positional asphyxiation.”

Authorities released the apparent cause of death for DeJesus in a statement on Wednesday:

“Officers then contacted EMS and rendered aid after observing Mr. DeJesus was lethargic and having difficulty breathing. Mr. DeJesus was treated on scene by EMS and later transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 4:41 p.m. After conducting an autopsy, the State Medical Examiner concluded that Mr. DeJesus’ death was caused by coronary artery disease with acute methamphetamine toxicity.”

DeJesus’ family members had continued to press for answers while the investigation took place.

“I love him so much,” the 43-year-old’s despondent mother said after his death. “Everybody loved him.”

• See Related: Newark Family Wants Answers After Man Dies While Running From Police

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